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Texas Business Groups Call for Immigration Reform

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NEW YORK - MAY 17: People rally before an act of civil disobedience to protest against the lack of an immigration reform bill on May 17, 2010 in New York, New York. Nearly two dozen labor and community leaders, local clergy and City Council members were arrested while stopping traffic in front of 26 Federal Plaza. The protests follow the state of Arizona's passage of a new immigration law which requires individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants to show proof of legal residence when asked by law enforcement. The law has become increasingly divisive, with Mexico's president issuing a travel warning to Mexican citizens in Arizona. Thousands of people have been taking part in similar protests around the country. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A coalition of trade groups launched a coordinated effort Monday morning to get more low-skilled workers.

Members include the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Retailers, Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and the South Texas Property Rights Association.

The group wants to create a legal status for workers already in the country.

They will join the Partnership for a New American Economy, a non-partisan group that lobbies to streamline the U.S. immigration.

Immigration is one of the most important issues to Republican voters in Texas, and some Republican candidates have taken a hard line against illegal immigration. They also oppose programs to grant a path to citizenship to immigrants in the country illegally.